Old Dollar General location receives makeover

Lindsay CravenStaff Writer

September 18, 2012

Yadkinville residents may notice a change when they drive past the former Dollar General location on West Main Street. The building that was demolished by a fire in December 2006 has received a makeover and has been made ready for resale.

The location has been the source of frustration for the town and for the owner of the property, David Heffner, president of Hendricks and Heffners Corp.

After several lawsuits and debate between the town commissioners and Heffner, an agreement was reached on the expectations for the repair of the building so that it will be more appealing to buyers.

“The work has been completed that was agreed to in June of this year,” said Christopher Ong, town manager of Yadkinville. “The façade was prepared and painted; wooden blocks hanging over the front barrier were removed; a portion of the wire barrier previously fencing in a portion of the shopping center walkway was removed; missing overhead exterior tiles in the overhang of the façade were replaced; trash was picked up from the front of the property and windows and walkways were cleaned.”

Now that the work has been completed to the town’s satisfaction the town will drop the pending lawsuit against Hendricks and Heffners Corp.

“The next step is hopefully for the property owner to find a commercial developer or realtor interested in the property,” Ong said. “I have put our director of development and planning in touch with the property owner to lend assistance in marketing the property to prospective buyers or tenants.”

Ong said that the town hopes to see the space filled by another tenant with an appeal like Dollar General.

“The town’s hopes are to see infill or new development operating at full occupancy with long-term, commercial tenants,” Ong said. “The town would like to see the residential tax burden lighten through increased commercial development.”

The previous Dollar General location was gutted by the fire that broke out in December of 2006. There was extensive fire, smoke and water damage to the Dollar General location as well as a former beauty shop and restaurant located alongside the former location.

The Yadkinville Post Office was the only part of the structure that was salvaged and it continues to function in the same location today.

Ong said that the town had a choice to make between repairing the damages as much as possible versus demolishing the property.

“Making improvements versus demolition is based on reasonable cost in relation to the structure’s current value,” Ong said. “The hope is that improvements and enhancements will make the property more attractive to prospective buyers and tenants, regardless if it is for the purpose of infill occupancy or redevelopment.”

Reach Lindsay Craven at 679-2341 or at lcraven@heartlandpublications.com.